Full Name: Penélope Cruz Sánchez
Date of Birth: April 28, 1974
Age: 49 (as of 2024)
Birthplace: Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
Nationality: Spanish
Occupation: Actress, Model
Years Active: 1989–present
Spouse: Javier Bardem (m. 2010)
Children: 2
Early Life & Career Beginnings
Penélope Cruz was born in Spain and grew up with a passion for acting and dance. She studied classical ballet for nine years before shifting her focus to acting. She made her film debut at 16 in Jamón Jamón (1992), which gained her critical attention.
Breakthrough & Hollywood Success
Cruz rose to fame in Spain before transitioning to Hollywood, where she became known for her versatility in both Spanish and English-language films. Some of her most notable films include:
- Spanish Films:
- Jamón Jamón (1992)
- Belle Époque (1992) – Academy Award-winning Spanish film
- All About My Mother (1999) – Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
- Volver (2006) – Earned her first Academy Award nomination
- Hollywood Films:
- Vanilla Sky (2001) – Starring alongside Tom Cruise
- Blow (2001) – With Johnny Depp
- Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) – Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress
- Nine (2009) – Another Oscar nomination
- Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) – Played Angelica opposite Johnny Depp
- Parallel Mothers (2021) – Earned her fourth Oscar nomination
Awards & Achievements
- Academy Award (2009) – Best Supporting Actress (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
- BAFTA Award (2009)
- Three Goya Awards (Spain’s top film awards)
- Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival (2006) for Volver
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2011) – First Spanish actress to receive this honor
Personal Life
Cruz married fellow Spanish actor Javier Bardem in 2010. The couple has two children and is known for keeping their personal life private.
Philanthropy & Other Work
She has been involved in humanitarian work, collaborating with organizations like UNICEF. She’s also worked as a model for luxury brands such as Chanel and Lancôme.
Legacy & Recent Work
Penélope Cruz continues to be one of the most respected and talented actresses in both Hollywood and European cinema. She frequently collaborates with acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar and remains a prominent figure in the film industry.
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